Barclays has one current account available for students – the Student Additions Account. We review this account and take you through if you’re eligible, how to apply, and its pros and cons.
Student Additions Account eligibility
To be eligible for a Barclays student current account, you’ll need to be studying full-time in the UK on an undergraduate course (for 2+ years), a postgraduate course (for 1+ year) or as a higher apprentice (Level 4+).
You’ll also need to:
be aged 18 or over;
be studying full-time in the UK;
use the account as your primary bank account.
How to open a Student Additions Account
You can apply for an account in the Barclays app if you have a UK mobile number.
When you first download and open the app, Barclays will ask you to create a passcode to access the app safely. You then take a picture of your identity document (such as a passport, driving licence or biometric residence permit) and record a short video of yourself, which Barclays will use to check your ID.
You’ll also have to provide some details about your course and your UCAS status code, and consent to a credit check.
If you don’t have a UK mobile number, or if you don’t have a UCAS code, Barclays will ask you to visit a branch to complete your application.
Student Additions Account benefits
Interest-free overdraft.The Barclays Student Additions account offers you a £500 interest-free overdraft during your first term. After this term, and during your first year, this increases to £1,000. It increases again to £1,500 in your second year and remains at £1,500 for future years of study.
Open and manage your account via the app. Making it quick and easy to bank on the go.
Track your spending with the Barclays app. The Barclays mobile app has features that allow you to track your spending, categorise it, set limits or even temporarily freeze your debit card. Great for students who haven’t mastered the art of budgeting.
Student Additions Account pros and cons
Pros
Apply in-app
Plenty of budgeting features in the banking app.
Overdraft which increases to £1,500 by year 2
Cons
There are many other students accounts with bigger overdrafts.
Customer service information for Barclays
Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support
Our verdict
Although this student account doesn’t have the most substantial interest-free overdraft, Barclays’ money management services will sell itself to sutdents. You can apply for the account from your phone and the banking app’s budgeting features will help you navigate your finances during your time at uni.
Frequently asked questions about the Student Additions Account
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Kate Steere as part of our fact-checking process.
Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio
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